You or someone you know may struggle with high blood sugar or diabetes.
If this is the case, you know it is important to monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day.
You should also understand the causes of high blood sugar and what to do when your levels climb too high.
What is High Blood Sugar?
High blood sugar is also known as Hyperglycemia. The body naturally produces some sugar through the liver and muscles.
However, most sugar comes from the foods we consume, primarily those that contain carbohydrates.
Sugar, otherwise known as glucose, is needed in your blood to give you energy.
The right amount of sugar is needed to keep your body running smoothly and to keep your energy levels up. Your body also needs insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body store sugar for use as energy. If you consume too much sugar or your blood sugar levels are elevated for another reason, the insulin cannot do its job.
High blood sugar can be a serious issue, even if you are not diabetic.
Causes of High Blood Sugar
Many factors can contribute to high blood sugar levels. Let’s look at a few of them here:
- Diabetes – If you are diabetic, either type 1 or 2, your body lacks the necessary insulin or cannot use it properly. Without medication or a carefully controlled diet, your body cannot regulate its blood sugar levels.
- Pancreatitis – This is an infection of or inflammation in the pancreas. Since insulin is produced in the pancreas, any infection in the area can disrupt insulin production.
- Pregnancy – Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy. This is known as gestational diabetes. Generally, it will go away after pregnancy.
- Medication – Some medications, such as steroids and beta-blockers, can raise blood sugar levels.
- Stress – Like many other functions in your body, stress can also impact your blood sugar levels.
- Carbohydrates – Even if you are not diabetic, eating too many carbs can raise your blood sugar.
- Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid has been shown to affect blood sugar levels.
- Physical Activity – Either participating in strenuous activity or exercising less than usual may cause your blood sugar level to change.
- Other illness or infection – Infection anywhere in the body can divert resources from energy production and can throw off your body’s normal functions.
- Early Mornings – Why is blood sugar high in the morning? There are several causes including:
- high-carb late night snacks
- low level of medication if you are diabetic
- the “dawn phenomenon” where your body begins to get ready for the day before you wake up by dipping into your glucose stores
- the “Somogyi effect” occurs when your blood sugar dips too low while you are sleeping, resulting in the release of too much stored glucose and high blood sugar levels when you wake up
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
There are many symptoms of high blood sugar. Some of these include:
- Thirst
- Hunger
- Headaches
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Exhaustion
Without proper care and treatment, high blood sugar can be deadly.
For those with diabetes, it can lead to a diabetic coma and death.
High blood sugar can also cause other long-term issues like skin infections, worsening eyesight, nerve damage, ulcers, and kidney damage.
Controlling High Blood Sugar
If you are diabetic, you should stick to the health plan established by your doctor.
If you are not diabetic, you should still speak with your doctor about why you are experiencing high blood sugar levels.
Often underlying health problems are contributing to your elevated levels.
Diet, exercise, stress management, and sometimes medication can get your blood sugar under control before it leads to long-term problems.